DUNKIN’ has launched some changes to its rewards program this month, and customers are feeling the effects.
Along with adjustments to redemption requirements for menu items, it’s no longer possible to stockpile benefits.
Dunkin’ has rolled out changes to its rewards program in October (stock image)[/caption]
As of October 6, loyalty points will instead expire one year from the end of the month they’re initially earned in, according to an email to Dunkin’ Rewards members recently.
That means if a customer earned 20 points in October 2025, they would expire at the end of October 2026.
In the past, Dunkin’ fans have stored rewards points for months on end to build up their redemption possibilities.
Every $1 spent on qualifying purchases in-store at Dunkin’s over 9,800 US locations or through the Dunkin’ App is worth 10 points.
The only way this increases is if a customer visits 12 or more times in a calendar month, as it would earn them Boosted Status, with 12 points for every $1 spent.
This would last for three months and then go back to 10 points for $1.
As part of the changes, Dunkin’ has, again, adjusted point redemption requirements for many menu items, effectively making it more expensive for consumers to earn free items.
One of the most controversial updates to the points system that sparked backlash among customers is free coffee and tea now costing 600 points, up from 500.
That means they have to spend an extra $10, based on the system, to earn a free small, medium, or large hot or iced coffee and tea.
Donuts, non-coffee drinks, some breakfast sandwiches, frozen specialty drinks, and others have also spiked by about 50 to 200 points, or $5 to $20.
Complimentary cold brews saw a massive jump from 500 to 950 points, meaning Dunkin’ members have to pay another $45 to get a free one.
The Bagels and Bites category, however, saw a discount rate increase, and the Li’L Treats stayed the same.
There are also new types of rewards in the updated October policy and reductions in points needed to redeem for beloved selections.
“We have introduced a new Bakery category that includes 10-count MUNCHKINS and muffins,” a Dunkin’ spokesperson told Restaurant Dive.
Points System Changes
Beginning in October, Dunkin’ will tweak the amount of points that customers must exchange to receive free rewards.
- Li’L Treats (hashbrowns, Munchkins, cold foam add-on): 150 points → 150 points
- Donuts: 250 points → 300 points
- Bakery (new category): n/a → 400 points
- Bites & Bagels: 600 points → 500 points
- Coffee: 500 points → 600 points
- Tea: 400 points → 600 points
- Non-coffee drinks: 700 points → 800 points
- Breakfast sandwiches: 800 points → 900 points
- Cold brew: 500 points → 950 points
- Frozen & specialty drinks: 900 points → 950 points
Source: New York Post
“Additionally, we have reduced the points required for popular items, such as the Wake-Up Wrap and bagels.”
“Members can now also redeem rewards for popular drinks such as the Shakin’ Espresso and Dunkalatte in our Specialty Coffee category,” they added.
There’s even a new cold foam add-on and á la carte bacon rewards.
There are also special perks, exclusive offerings, and even a three times point bonus on Dunkin’ rewards members’ birthdays.
FANS FIRE BACK
For some Dunkin’ customers, the tweaks this month are too much.
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” a longtime fan fumed on Facebook.
“I already don’t go there because their prices have gone through the roof, but at least when I had to, the rewards made it somewhat palatable.”
“Dunkin’ was my fav for 40 years. It is awful now,” another added.
“Time to boycott DD,” a third said.
The US Sun contacted Dunkin’ for comment but did not hear back.
NOT THE FIRST TIME
The chain has made several changes to its rewards program in recent years, with the 2014 rollout of DD Perks Rewards being replaced by the Dunkin’ Rewards program in October 2022.
Before the 2022 change it cost customers about $40 to get enough points for a free coffee or espresso.
Afterwards, it was almost doubled to about $70.
“Change is always going to be an adjustment, but in the long run, Dunkin’ loyalists will benefit even more,” a spokesperson previously told us after the changes in 2022.
“Dunkin’ Rewards is all about choice for our members.”
A manager at the coffee chain also confirmed recently that a famous donut has been taken off the fall menu.
Starbucks also quietly removed a money-saving rewards perk earlier this year.
Dunkin’ vs Starbucks: Rewards Programs
Both loyalty programs reward customers for every dollar spent, although the rate at which they earn varies.
Starbucks rewards members, for example, earn one Star for every $1 spent, while Dunkin’ offers members 10 points for every $1 spent.
Dunkin’s system generally offers more generous points-per-dollar earnings and lower redemption thresholds for menu items.
For example, Dunkin’s rewards currently start at 150 points, or $15 spent, for a 3-count donut hole pack or hash browns, and 500 points, or $50, for a free coffee.
Starbucks rewards, on the other hand, requires more spending, with 25 Stars, or $25 spent, in exchange for a free drink customization, and 100 Stars, or $100, for a coffee or bakery item.
In comparison to Dunkin’, Starbucks is known for providing a more flexible reward for drinks and offering a superior birthday reward.
